News

Emily Formby represents the family of Edward Mallen at inquest into his suicide

On 13-14 June 2016, Emily Formby, instructed by Sharon Allison of Ashtons Legal, represented the family of Edward Mallen who took his own life shortly after his 18th birthday at Meldreth rail crossing near Cambridge on 9 February 2015. The inquest heard how the teenager, who had been offered a place at Cambridge University, had seen a GP two weeks before his death and told him of his suicidal thoughts. Although Edward had given consent for his parents to be told about his thoughts, they were not contacted.

His GP also made an urgent referral to ensure Edward would be seen by mental health professionals within 24 hours but the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust  downgraded this referral.  Following an initial assessment after 5 days Edward was still awaiting a routine assessment by a psychiatrist when he died. The Trust has admitted "things... could have been done better".

After Edward's untimely death his father vowed to investigate his son's tragedy and set up the MindEd Trust to seek reform on his behalf, hoping to help many other thousands of families who are suffering similar difficulties.  The CPFT held an internal enquiry and commissioned an independent report into the death of Edward Mallen and a spokesman said the Trust was "implementing the recommendations" of both and would also act on the Coroner's directions.

Following the two-day inquest in Huntingdon, the Coroner recorded a verdict of suicide.

Please see below for press coverage:

BBC News

The Telegraph

ITV News